Hockey Ad Network

Monday, January 14, 2013

Zach Rakochy of the Steinbach Pistons has been named the Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month for December.

Rakochy was involved significantly in local fund raising with a focus
on charities that support men’s mental health. After a recent home
game, Zach and teammate Kyle Rous shaved their heads publicly in support
of the Canadian Mental Health Association and Prostate Cancer
Awareness, respectively.

Between the two players, they raised about $2,000 for the local charities.

The hair-cutting project started growing after Rakochy was deeply impacted when a former hockey teammate took his own life.

“We had played junior together. He was a good buddy of mine,” said
the Pistons’ goaltender, who hails from Canora, Sk. “He suffered from
depression. When he took his life it really hit me hard. I wanted to
make a difference after that.

“When I was getting my hair cut I was thinking about him. It was very
emotion for me. It really felt unreal knowing I was helping and making a
difference.”

Rakochy, 19, has also been actively involved in minor hockey and has
worked one on one with several minor hockey goalies to develop their
skills. In December he also packed food hampers that were distributed to
needy families. In addition to all these activities he also made four
school appearances and spoke to students at local schools.

“The MJHL and Manitoba Pork are proud of the citizenship displayed by Zach,” said MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis.